"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.

He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24.

Reading verses like this, I have to wonder why churches today expound the preaching of “accepting Christ as your savior” as the way of getting saved.

It seems that the work of salvation has been shifted from Christ’s death on the cross to us “accepting Jesus into our hearts” and “getting right with God,” pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, taking Jesus by the hand and redeeming yourself.

I think this school of thought derives from the sinful nature’s desire to have some part in the work of salvation.

Ephesians 2:1 says “As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins.”

Dead people can’t fix themselves and tell Jesus to come live in their heart.

The Bible never uses language like that. It says believe, and you will be saved!

There is no simpler way to describe the means by which we are to be saved.

The Bible does not say, “Get yourself right, and then come tell Jesus you’re inviting Him into your life.” No.

It simply says believe and be saved.

Why turn it around so that we have to carry the burden of redeeming ourselves?

Then I hear people asking questions like, “Well, how do you know you have accepted Christ? How do you even know you’re saved?”

Believe and you will be saved! You know you are saved because Christ already completed the work of your salvation by dying on the cross.

Your salvation does not depend on you “accepting Him into your life,” it depends on Him taking your sins upon Himself and paying the debt you owed.

Romans 5:10 says that “We were enemies of God.” If we are God’s enemies, we have no desire to be reconciled to God.”

Campbellsville University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (more commonly known as the PRSSA) is proud to say that we have made our mark on the west coast.

After a long, busy day of Homecoming broadcasts, cheerleading and band, four members of PRSSA set out for San Francisco, Calif. for the annual PRSSA National Conference Sunday, Oct. 14.

Students who were blessed with the opportunity to go were Austin Yates, Matt Tomaz, Audrey Wunderlich current vice president and myself, Becky Hutchinson, president of our CU PRSSA chapter.

Upon selecting who would be given the opportunity to attend, adviser Dr. Russ Barclay and I sought out not only those who had joined the CU PRSSA chapter, but also those who excelled academically and held leadership positions in their school and community.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, we set out onto the town taking in the culture that was very much different than our own.

The sights and sounds placed us each in awe as we adventured down Market Street and the ever so trustworthy Powell Street.

On Monday morning we arrived at the PRSSA National Conference in which we had several hours to meet with fellow PRSSA members from around the country, as well as meet several professional and graduate school representatives.

The time we spent discussing future plans with each of these organizations was eye opening and had each of us thinking deeper into our lives after undergraduate studies.

Later that afternoon we split as a group to separate seminars. One discussed tourism and using public relations as a promotion technique for the great state of California, the other taught how to really grab your audience’s attention revealing the “Secrets to Perfect Pitching.”

That evening the four of us attended a dinner provided by the PRSSA that allowed us to make connections from across the country. We mingled with students from Hawaii and New Jersey at once, discussing our cultures and various PRSSA experiences.

But, as far away from home as we may have felt, we were more than pleased to run into the familiar faces of the Western Kentucky University PRSSA chapter sitting only a few feet away.

The experiences that the four of us gained were more than words could decribe.

Although we were in San Francisco for only three full days, we were able to gain a better understanding of different cultures and practice our networking skills with businesses like Edelman and schools like Northwestern University.

Each of us would like to thank everyone who made this adventure possible.

Without the help of the many faculty who kindly donated to our trip and Dr. Barclay who gave so generously of his time, we would have never made it.

I’d like to encourage anyone interested in becoming a member of PRSSA here at CU to feel more than free to contact me, Becky Hutchinson at rlhutc52@students.campbellsville.edu to learn how you can become involved.

You could potentially gain networking opportunities throughout Kentucky and possibly be heading to Philadelphia, Penn. next year for the 2013 National Conference.

And don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook page “P.R.S.S.A. at Campbellsville University.”

Just when I think reality television cannot sink any lower, I see a preview for “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” The name alone proves me wrong.
It warms my heart to see an ignorant, stereotypical, southern family glorified.

When spoiled brat Alana Thompson showed her attitude on TLC’s, “Toddlers and Tiaras,” she and her family sparked a Honey Boo Boo phenomenon that does not seem to be leaving any time soon.

Now with their own prime time series, America cannot get enough of the Boo Boo clan.

It makes me wonder if the stars of the show realize that viewers are laughing at them, not with them.

With a pet pig named Glitzy, a dad who goes by the name Sugar Bear and use of the words “vajiggle jaggle” in everyday conversation, I do not see how anyone could take this family seriously.

Alana’s mother gives her special go-go juice to raise her energy for pageants.

Any one, including full grown adults, would be bouncing of the walls with this special juice, which is a mixture of Mountain Dew and Red Bull.

Instead of calling Child Protective Services, it seems that a television producer was phoned instead.

Now an irresponsible mother reaps financial benefits and fame for poor parenting.

What frightens me is the fact that they are not acting.

The Boo Boo’s are living out their reality in front of a camera crew that happens to be following them around.

Even though the editing is done in such a way to add an extreme element of stupidity, the stars of the show do not seem to need too much help in that department.

Jimmy Kimmel summed the show up best, saying, “It makes ‘Jersey Shore’ seem like ‘Downton Abbey.’”

I have yet to watch a full episode of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.”

I am ashamed to say I want to before the week is out. ­­­

As curiosity killed the cat, Honey Boo Boo kills intelligence. Am I willing to make this sacrifice for cheap entertainment?

Sadly, y­­es, at least once or twice.

In today’s world there seems to be a growing trend in how people perceive themselves and others.

Take for instance when you meet a new person in one of your classes. Maybe it’s a pretty girl or a charming boy who you would really like to see again for something other than your studies.Instantly, almost like a natural reflex, you will jump onto your smart- phone or laptop and eagerly begin searching for them through Facebook or Twitter, trying to figure out their likes, dislikes and most importantly, their “Relationship Status.”

As young adults in the 21st century, we rely on technology to bring us anything and everything we need to know, as well as what we want others to know about us.

I can’t even begin to recall how many times I have updated my Facebook “About Me” to say what I want others to know about me.

Sad as it may be, I feel like my Facebook page has become a part of who I define myself to be.

I have 482 friends on Facebook. I know each of them personally and care about each of them on some level.

But, with the amount of care I bestow upon each of them, I have found a frightening trend among a select group.

It seems that many of my friends have pushed the limit on what is appropriate in a social forum.

While we could discuss for days things like inappropriate language and suggestive photos, I have found a much more detrimental habit developing.

I recently had a friend post something about her recent breakup.She was obviously hurt and was looking for support from her digital community of friends. Lashing out mercilessly against the young man, it was apparent that she was still passing through the irrational phase and had yet come to peace with the situation.

Her anger was apparent and she later admitted to me in person, a bit embarrassing as well.

As social media becomes more of a part of our everyday life, some are finding it difficult to define the line of what is worth sharing and what is better left to ourselves.

Moments of strong emotions turn into a public discussion and at times bring on unwanted attention.

To feel the need to Tweet or post a status about feelings or events is a sure sign of a deeper problem.

As badly as you want everyone to understand that you are upset or even especially happy, there must be some definition of what is “status-worthy.”

So, I urge everyone to give a second thought to the next time you post something online for others to see.
Also, remember that as strong as you may feel about an event or circumstance it is no reason to tarnish what could be a positive representation of who you are.

Because, let’s face it; what you post online will be what others use to define you whether you think so or not. You may want to keep it to yourself.

Weight gain is a serious issue in college, and yes, it can happen to you.

Of course there are those seemingly perfect people who cannot gain any weight because their metabolisms are insane. That, unfortunately, is not most of us.

Here at Campbellsville University, students have way more access to food than you did as a high school student at home with your parents.

We have an unlimited buffet in the cafeteria and $100 we can spend between Starbucks and Chick Fil A.

Over the course of my college career, I have noticed that food is not just something that is used for nourishment; it is used for socialization, comfort and a quick fix to boredom.

CU students, here’s what I suggest to maintain a healthy lifestyle in college.

12. Drink water: Water—it’s no secret that we need it. And since starting college can be pretty exhausting, water is key to keeping you in check.

11. Take a P.E. course: Guess what? You can do ballroom dancing, volleyball or even Tennis, among other things, right here at CU.

10. Watch what you eat in the cafe: Think about what goes on your plate.

A good rule of thumb is if your meal is the same color (eggs, rice and white bread), you are doing something wrong.

9. Schedule meals: Eating at the same time every day is an excellent way to train your metabolism, just grab some people to go with you.

8. Social life: Stress and weight gain go hand in hand. Nothing kills worries like good times with friends.

Surrounding yourself with positive people will not only make for good memories, you’ll be healthier for it.

7. De-stress: Speaking of a social life, sometimes friends will not be enough to get you through the tough times.

Find the things that make you happy. For me, it’s photography or riding my longboard.

6. Be involved: We all have a bad habit of eating when we are bored. The best way to beat boredom is to keep busy and be involved.

Even if you do not know what you want to do, just join something. Sooner or later, you’ll find your fit.

5. Limit salt and sugar intake: It’s hard to avoid salt and sugar.

They’re practically on everything we eat, but just be aware of what you can control.

4. Eat raw foods: Snacks like celery, carrots, apples and bananas are not only good for you, but they are easy to store in a mini fridge

3. Buy healthy groceries: You are in total control of the kind of foods that go in your dorm room.

Instead of potato chips, maybe try whole grain crackers or pita bread chips.

2. Catch those z’s: The all-nighter seems to be the symbol of college.

It does not have to be yours, though.

Planning ahead can be the difference between a full night of sleep and a wink of shuteye, making you all the more effective the next day.

1. Work out: In some ways, there is no magic trick when it comes to staying in shape.

Any way you approach it, being healthy is going to take some work, some physical work.

Find what works for you, whether that is kickboxing or cycling, basketball or rock climbing.

Whatever you do, just keep moving.

But I must admit, with this sad selection, I really could not care less.

For years I had been excited to be old enough to vote in an election, and now that that time has finally come I am finding it incredibly hard to even see the worth in it.

Trust me, I have done my research on the candidates. I have tried to find a reason to speak my voice on a ballot, but the more research I do the more I cannot find a reason to do so.

When I look at President Barack Obama I see a man hiding behind a teleprompter who made unkept promises to America and wants to spend money we do not have.

The idea of big government makes me cringe and Obama’s proposals for government funded health care is more than I can handle.

As for Mitt Romney, all I see is a stereotypical politician who is in the running for office simply because he has the money to do so.

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and while he claims to be for the common man, he has no idea what the common man is.

There is not much of a choice.

I can vote for a repeat of the past four years failing economy or I can vote for just another hot aired politician who has no grasp on reality.

Tough call.

I do not want to vote for the lesser of two evils. So I am beginning to think that I just may as well not show my support to either candidate.

And there is no sense in even casting a vote for a third party because there is no chance that they will win.

Until there is a complete overhaul in the American political system, a Democrat or Republican will always be in the oval office.

Such a promising thought, I know.

Money is the driving factor behind a political campaign. If you do not have money then you stand no chance.

I understand this, it makes sense, but that does not make it right.

This nation is filled with individuals who have great potential to become world leaders, but money is what speaks in political realms.

If money is the main player, what does that say about our leaders?

It shows where their motivation is for decision making.

What happened to true leadership from America’s leaders?

Grant it, our founding fathers were far from perfect, but are not we all?

In our nation’s past, it seems that we had politicians who geniunely cared about making a better America.

I just wish we could resurrect Lincoln or Washington. But until we are able to do so, it seems that I am going to be sitting out on this 2012 election.